Favourite pre-theatre Times Square restaurant?

Junior's

Glass House Tavern

Pigalle

I never have dinner before seeing a play. That's because I don't want to keep checking my watch between conversations or hope the waiter isn't slow. Having dinner afterward means you can have a relaxing meal in any part of Manhattan. Plus many of the restaurants in the theater district are kind of - nice word - touristy. (Bring Goobers)

Not necessarily pre-theater, and not fancy... I offer this suggestion only for those looking for one of, maybe the, yummiest veggie burger I've ever had -- HB Burgers on 43rd (next to its parent restaurant, Heartland Brewery). I also love the inspired tiny dessert they offer -- a hot-fudge sundae in a shot glass.

Juniors salad is something that isn't too heavy but still satisfiyingly filling

#1. Junior's

#2. Hourglass Tavern

#3. Glass House Tavern

... and anything on Restaurant Row or 9th ave when those three are too packed... (which is often)... Junior's is usually VERY packed, but your food comes out so fast that it doesn't matter... they WILL get you to your show on time. It's the place to go when you're in a rush, not when you're lounging and killing time, because the people waiting for a table in the lobby might shoot you ugly looks if you camp at your table while they wait to be seated. If you have a lot of time I'd go to Glass House or Hour Glass... but those places are not known for their speed so if they are too packed just go anywhere that is empty, lol. When you're down to like 15 minutes to curtain and you absolutely must get something to eat in your stomach to hold you over... I usually grab a slice of pizza at Patzeria on 46th or the new City Kitchen at the Row Hotel has a fast and fun food court with lots of great options though you will probably have to stand while you eat, and it's just as pricey as a sit-down restaurant.

Hope that helps!

I really enjoy Osteria al Doge. As long as I don't order the creme gnocchi, it's way too filling.

Tom5 said: "I still maintain dinner after the show is better. If you're with friends you might have something new and interesting to discuss like...the show you just saw!

But who wants to wait until 10 or 11 to eat dinner? And be hungry during the show?

Another vote for both Pigalle on 8th Ave up near 50th, and for City Kitchen at Row Hotel at 8th Ave and 43rd. Both get you through super fast and are decent food for a decent price.

Not exactly Times Square but I love Scarlattos and Gyu-Kaku. City kitchen is good too for a fancy fast food type of option.

MOST places in that area can, and will get you out before curtain, as long as you tell them when you sit down. Of course, the comment about time and making reservations is good, too. I find that even sitting down at 6:30 you can be guaranteed enough time to both eat and get to the theatre without rushing. I usually try to make the reservation for 6....but last month, had reservations at Havana Central (cuban food) and they didn't seat us until 6:20. Told the waiter, and he assured us it was no problem, and it wasn't.

After? We go for a nice drink or dessert to talk. Perfect.

Marseille

GYU KAKU all they way. It's on 44th between 8th & 9th right next to Birdland. They have a huge bar with small bites. At the bar, all drinks and food are a special happy-hour price. I would say there are over 30 seats in the bar area. Never seem to have trouble getting a seat, or making it to a show ontime.